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BOULDER — Tailback Darrell Scott created so much fanfare by signing a national letter of intent with Colorado in February 2008, it's a wonder Boulder didn't throw a ticker-tape parade along the Pearl Street Mall. Tuesday, Scott left the program and said he hopes to join his uncle, former CU wide receiver Josh Smith, at UCLA.

Scott, 6-feet-1 and 215 pounds, was rated as the nation's No. 1 prep running back prospect after rushing for 2,433 yards and 33 touchdowns in 2007 as a senior at St. Bonaventure High School in Ventura, Calif. He picked CU over Texas after a heated recruiting battle that drew national attention.

"There's not much to say other than, 'Sorry to Buff Nation,' " Scott said Tuesday by phone. "I've been thinking about it for a couple of months."

When asked his reasons for transferring, Scott would say only, "I just want to go home."

CU players were surprised by his decision. So was running backs coach Darian Hagan, who spent countless hours recruiting Scott. Hagan said he received the news via a text message from Scott at about 1:30 p.m.

"I didn't find out the way I thought I deserved to find out," Hagan said. "It's unfortunate that he decided to leave. He has to do what he has to do. But I just wish he would have done it a different way."

Scott said he will ask CU for a release to UCLA.

"Those are my plans, to join Josh," Scott said.

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Smith played two seasons at CU before transferring to UCLA this summer. When reached Tuesday by phone, Smith told The Denver Post that Scott "was really vague" when he called Smith with the news. "He said, like, 'I've had enough of this (expletive). I'm outta here, bro.' "

Smith said Scott "wasn't too much bothered" by his lack of playing time. "He was just going through the motions," Smith said.

CU coach Dan Hawkins was unaware of Scott's decision until after his weekly news conference Tuesday. After practice, Hawkins told reporters he would not address questions regarding Scott.

Hagan, who became close with Scott's family, said Tuesday he "had no idea" Scott was even contemplating a transfer.

"I asked him on different occasions, was he OK, was he thinking about transferring, with people saying stuff?" Hagan said. "I told him to be a man about it and look me in the eye. He said, 'Aw, no, coach. I never thought about it.'

"Today was a total surprise for me," Hagan added. "Life goes on. When I wake up tomorrow, it will be a different day."

Hawkins addressed the team prior to practice and announced Scott's departure, but wide receiver Scotty McKnight said he had heard before the team meeting.

"When I went into the training room, I guess his locker was cleaned out," Mc-Knight said. "Guys are bummed. Darrell was well-liked on the team. He's a cool guy. There's not a bad bone in Darrell's body. I was pretty caught off-guard by the whole thing."

Sophomore tailback Rodney Stewart, who has become CU's featured back, said he was shocked.

"We were close in practice," Stewart said. "Off the field, we had a little bit of a relationship. He just stayed to himself (after Smith left)."

Added sophomore quarterback Tyler Hansen: "I'm disappointed because he could have been a great player and a strength for the Buffs. It's too bad it didn't work out."

Scott was voted preseason newcomer of the year in a poll of Big 12 coaches prior to the 2008 season. But plagued by ankle and knee injuries, and losing playing time to Stewart, Scott started a total of only four games in two seasons. Hagan often cited injuries, Scott's problems with blocking in pass protection and Stewart's production as explanations for Scott's lack of playing time.

Scott rushed for 95 yards on 23 carries this season. His best game this season came Sept. 11 against Toledo, when he netted 85 yards on 12 carries. However, he banged up a knee in that game and had arthroscopic surgery Oct. 22 and had not played since.

Hagan said he plans to recruit at least two tailbacks "that want to be here, and know there will be ups and downs and you just have to fight through them."

Staff writers John Henderson and Natalie Meisler contributed to this report.
Tom Kensler: 303-954-1280 or tkensler@denverpost.com

Prep stars lose their shine

A look at Colorado football coach Dan Hawkins' recruits who were ranked as a top-100 prospect nationally:

2007 RECRUITING CLASS

Ryan Miller, offensive lineman, Columbine High School: Has been a CU starter since earning starting job in seventh game against Kansas State as a true freshman in 2007. Granted medical redshirt to recover year of eligibility after suffering fractured fibula against Florida State in 2008.

2008 RECRUITING CLASS

Lynn Katoa, linebacker, Cottonwood HS, Salt Lake City: Enrolled at CU early but was suspended by the school as a freshman for participating in an off-campus altercation not long after national signing day in February 2008. Katoa never played at CU, leaving the program last spring.

Jon Major, linebacker, Ponderosa HS: Redshirted in 2008 after suffering a torn ACL during an August drill. The injury required surgery. Listed third on the depth chart this season. Has played in two games, against Toledo and Wyoming.

Darrell Scott, tailback, St. Bonaventure HS, Ventura, Calif.: Plagued by injuries and lost playing time with the emergence of Rodney Stewart, Scott started one game as a freshman (Iowa State) and three this season (CSU, Toledo, Kansas) before undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery Oct. 22. Left the program Tuesday.

2009 RECRUITING CLASS

Nick Kasa, defensive end, Legacy HS: Suffered a torn MCL in his left knee during August drills and missed the Buffs' first three games. Played in four games, registering two tackles (including one for a loss, against Texas), but missed the Missouri game last week because of mononucleosis and an enlarged spleen. Will not play again this year and will apply to the NCAA for an injury hardship to recover the year of eligibility. Tom Kensler, The Denver Post

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